Winter wellbeing in Cheshire East

It’s time to get ready for winter and this year the weather forecasters predict another very cold season. To keep everyone warm, well and safe we’ve put together some useful information to help you find the advice and help you need quickly.

Being a good winter neighbour

Winter weather can be fun for some, but sadly more people are at risk of illness and death during winter than at other time of the year and may need extra help from us all.

As the weather turns colder, spare a thought and a little time for your neighbours. Neighbours may need your help, especially if they are elderly, disabled or have a chronic illness.

Cold weather is especially dangerous for these groups - and symptoms don't just get worse during a cold spell, it can last for a few days afterwards.

Here are a few tips to being a good winter neighbour:

check on elderly neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well. A phone call or a knock at the door can make all the difference and can brighten their day - some people find being housebound very lonely

make sure they have enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather

give your telephone number to elderly neighbours so they can contact you for help if they are unwell or had a fall

is their house warm enough? Living rooms should be heated to 21°C and bedrooms to 18°C. Contact the Care and Repair team for information about emergency heating and repairs

keep drives and footpaths clear of snow and ice for your neighbours. Advice is available from the Gov.uk website

always be on the lookout for signs that something might be wrong:

milk still out on the doorstep late in the day

newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox

curtains drawn during the day

lights on during the day

a home in darkness when there should be someone at home

a dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in

bins not put out on collection days

Concerned about someone you think is sleeping rough in your community. Let the Housing Options team know on 0300 123 5017 during office hours (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm) or call 0300 123 5025 outside of these hours.

Plans for winter

We work closely with our partners in the health, voluntary and community sectors to ensure that agencies and communities are prepared for extreme weather.